The apparel and footwear industry has long faced steep import tariffs. As general counsel for Columbia Sportswear Company, Peter Bragdon is accustomed to navigating similarly complex and often cost-prohibitive import regulations in the U.S. and around the globe. Here, Bragdon debriefs how the company has prospered for nearly as long as one still-extant tariff bill, dating back to the 1930s.
In an industry where intellectual property fights are common, what measures help Columbia safeguard patented technologies?
We have focused on developing an extensive intellectual property portfolio, such as patents and trademarks, across the globe that we believe distinguishes our products in the marketplace and is critical to our success. Our legal strategies, including a reputation for aggressively enforcing intellectual property rights, are aligned with and critical to our corporate growth. Read the full interview.